Thursday, October 24, 2013

Tribute to Arthur O. Roberts

Yesterday the faculty of George
Fox University honored Arthur Roberts, Quaker professor, philosopher, prophet
and poet. (I would add theologian, mentor and friend, but they don’t begin with
“p.”) We ate together and listened to some inspiring testimonials. The event truly
did honor Arthur.

A month ago, I was invited to
write a poem for the occasion and then read it at the ceremony. This is
something Arthur frequently did in his poet role. I accepted the task
immediately, but with some inner shaking and quaking. Arthur is such a huge
presence among us, and his influence in my own life has been profound. How
could I capture anything significant in a single poem?

I discovered I couldn’t. But
during a week of personal retreat on the Oregon coast, I took time to remember,
reflect, and read again some of his poems, as well as favorite underlined
passages in his other writings. A deep sense of gratitude bubbled up, as well
ideas for many poems. I was able to write out some of them.

I chose to read aloud a poem that
focuses on Arthur as professor, since this was an event sponsored by the
faculty of the university. I was also compelled by the realization that it was
exactly 50 years ago that I entered GFU as a freshman and took my first class
from Dr. Roberts.

Here is what I read:

From Professor to Pastor

“I discovered that to teach is to endure some loneliness
and that such loneliness comes to all who offer their gifts on the altar of
God.”(From Drawn by the Light:
Autobiographical Reflections of Arthur O. Roberts, 1993, The Barclay Press,
p. 158)

This poem speaks for me. As an Elementary Ed major, there weren't many free credits to take something outside of the major. During those credits I took Spanish. So I only got to take one "Arthur O" class. I was scared, too! I'm so glad you were able to be brave and talk to him. Thank you for sharing this!